In my educational journey, I have attended various international schools with different religious affiliations.
My first international school experience took place in Indonesia, where we not only memorized Bible verses but also delved into the stories and teachings of the Bible. Classroom activities included learning chants, prayers, and participating in occasional prayer sessions. The subsequent school, TCIS (standing for Christian), didn’t have formal religious studies classes. However, it provided space for a church to operate on Sundays, and I regularly attended services there. The influence of Christianity remained a part of my school experience, fostering a sense of spirituality and community.
Upon transitioning to a French school, I encountered a Catholic church located on the first floor of the building. This integration of religious and academic spaces was indeed impactful in my life. I participated in extra religious study classes afterschool and got baptized in the chruch at our school. Additionally, one of my teachers was a nun who served as our homeroom teacher during 7th grade, and we went to bible study field trips to Jeju island hosted by our school.
The current school I attend differs from the previous ones in terms of religious atmosphere. With a larger student body and international backgrounds, students from various religious backgrounds and perspectives were together. Here, at Dulwich College Seoul, I have learnt how to interact with people with different religions, ethnicity and culture.
Whether through the incorporation of Christian teachings, the presence of churches within the school premises, or immersion in Catholic practices, my upbringing has been shaped by these religious influences. While my current school provides a more diverse environment, these earlier experiences have contributed to my understanding of different faiths and the importance of spirituality in one’s growth.